Replying to 2009 Powder Video Awards

There have been a few threads on here already about the antics of our beloved heros at the Powder Awards, so I thought I would add me two cents worth:

Kudos to Biglines for hosting the Powder Video Awards via live stream. It was nice to see it happen in the moment. Overall, a great show with too many highlights to mention and a couple of too "high" moments for a select few. Congrats to all winners, especially the crew at Rocky Mountain Sherpas for claiming BEST MOVIE CONCEPT OF THE YEAR...a well deserved award and humble acceptance on their behalf (unlike some of the other speeches given tonight). I know Seth is one of the most talented and hard working athletes in the ski biz. However, by the age of 35, you'd think he would have learned a few more choice words other than "F@CK" for his 3 acceptance speeches. Same goes for Sage, Tanner, Eric, etc. DON'T GET ME WRONG...I think all of these guys are exceptionally gifted athletes and of genuine character that live, breathe, and passionately love the world of skiing. I am highly envious of the exciting adventures they experience from day to day and winter to winter. Adventures like getting a Powder Video Award. Seriously...how cool would that be? But come on: they sounded like a bunch of illiterate monkeys when handed the microphone. At times, it felt like I was watching a lower-budget version of FUBAR. OR like watching your wasted buddies at a party, after you arrived late and sober.

I'm not just talking about the gutter mouth factor. Tanner was so wasted, not even 2 hosts (Luke Van Valin and Uncle E) could hold him back from repeatedly raping the microphone and interrupting his fellow winners during their moment of glory. Seth, looking equally shaky on solid ground, took it upon himself to openly slag ALL SKIING in the universe outside of his precious AK. Even Uncle E, the consummate professional and host extraordinaire, couldn't help but get caught up in the knuckle dragging after he too decided to drop an "F" bomb on air (albeit for the worthy cause of recognizing Powder's effort in compiling a killer opening video sequence for the awards).

After having the opportunity to converse and work with a lot of these pros, I personally know they ARE intelligent, well spoken, and good natured. That's why it was embarrassing to watch these "Role Models" degrade themselves faster than a rising porn star. Speaking of porn: there have been a lot of comparisons over the years between ski movies and porn. Let me finish with this:

A friend of mine used to be a subscriber to Playboy TV. For shits and giggles during one cold Canadian winter night, we sat down to watch the Adult Entertainment Industry Awards. Even more pathetic than two lonely ski bums watching Playboy TV together: porn stars showing more gratitude, dignity, and respect during the acceptance of their awards than the "finest" in the freeski industry.